Pacifica School District — Preparing Students for an Evolving World

As we move into the final trimester, Pacifica School District (PSD) staff continues their hard work in ensuring great learning is taking place in safe and clean learning environments.  We have begun our traditional Open House where schools have the opportunity to showcase our students’ accomplishments. 

We have also begun planning for next year with registration of our incoming kindergarteners and transitional kindergarteners (for students whose fifth birthday falls within the dates of October 2 – December 2, 2012). Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is in the second year of implementation.  TK is a State mandated program that emphasizes a developmental approach to kindergarten. The classes will be offered at Sunset Ridge Elementary and Ortega Elementary.  Should there be questions regarding registration, please contact the District Office, Beverly Duspiva (650-738-6600).

Another piece of our planning is our focus on the January decision by the California Department of Education that Algebra I will no longer be the eighth grade standard.  This change creates a wonderful opportunity for PSD to focus on the Common Core Standards (CCS) for mathematics that replaces the current standards in realigning the content (what students need to know) and developing teaching practices that support development of higher order thinking skills (what students are able to do). 

We have been hard at work to gain insights from experts, staff, and community/family members in developing a coherent plan for this transition. 

Two meetings have been scheduled to target community/family input: Tuesday, April 16, 6:30 p.m., IBL Middle School and Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 p.m., Vallemar School. 

A work study on this topic with the PSD Trustees has also been scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2013, 6:00 p.m., District Office.   We have also scheduled a professional development day for our teachers who teach mathematics for an in-depth look at the CCS.

In addition to the work within the district, we are also active members of the North County Collaborative, Mathematics that include Jefferson Elementary SD, Brisbane SD, Bayshore SD, and Jefferson Union High School District.  We understand the need to ensure students have a positive and successful transition to the high school.  Thus, collaboration between the districts is a critical piece.    Should a family have concern, they may contact the site principal as to the status of one’s child.

Pacifica Education Foundation (PEF) continues to support us in moving forward with implementation of our Strategic Plan supporting 21st Century education.  The Foundation truly embraces their vision of “Community Commitment to Protecting and Advancing Education in Pacifica School District”.  PEF and PSD have been reviewing the teacher feedback regarding the learning experiences provided this year.  Additionally, PEF is working on a parent survey that will be sent out through the schools.   The District will use the feedback for program direction.